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Od Auschwitz do Ameryki. Niezwykła historia polskiego pływaka
Wojenna zawierucha uczyniła życie utalentowanego sportowca Henryka Zgudy pasmem tragicznych i szczęśliwych zdarzeń, które złożyły się na niezwykłą epopeję.
Zguda zaczyna swą opowieść od przedwojennego Krakowa. Mówi o życiu w ubogim domu koło dworca, o beztroskiej młodości i o sportowym współzawodnictwie. Był bowiem zapalonym pływakiem i waterpolistą, osiągając w tych dyscyplinach bardzo dobre wyniki. A potem wybuchła wojna i Zguda, oskarżony o działalność polityczną, rozpoczął więzienną wędrówkę po obozach Auschwitz, Buchenwald, Flossenbürg i Dachau.
Podkreśla, że mógł zginąć wielokrotnie i że przeżył cudem, często dzięki napotkanym przyjaciołom. Jednak nie skupia się tylko na tym. Nawet chętniej wspomina epizody, które pozwalały oderwać się od upiornej obozowej rzeczywistości. Życie sportowca we wczesnym PRL-u nie było złe, ale gdy system zaczął zaciskać pętlę, lepiej było uciec. I tak zaczął się ostatni, amerykański etap historii Henryka. Do Nowego Świata Zguda przypłynął, nie znając zupełnie języka angielskiego, jednak w odnalezieniu swego miejsca pomogło mu znów pływanie. No i przyjaciele – a w ich gronie Jerzy Kosiński.
Dzieje Henryka spisała Katrina Shawver – dziennikarka, która poznała go przypadkiem Na podstawie wspomnień i szeregu rozmów z samym Zgudą, a po jego śmierci z żoną, stworzyła portret człowieka nietuzinkowego o równie barwnych, co zagmatwanych losach, jakie stały się w XX wieku udziałem wielu Polaków. Katrina Shawver – dziennikarka z ponad dwudziestoletnim stażem.
Blogerka, pisarka, mówczyni. Absolwentka kierunków anglistyka i nauki polityczne na University of Arizona. Przygotowując cykl artykułów dla „The Arizona Republic” poznała Henryka Zgudę. Historia polskiego więźnia wydała się jej tak fascynująca, że postanowiła napisać swoja pierwszą książkę, za którą otrzymała rozliczne nagrod
Zguda zaczyna swą opowieść od przedwojennego Krakowa. Mówi o życiu w ubogim domu koło dworca, o beztroskiej młodości i o sportowym współzawodnictwie. Był bowiem zapalonym pływakiem i waterpolistą, osiągając w tych dyscyplinach bardzo dobre wyniki. A potem wybuchła wojna i Zguda, oskarżony o działalność polityczną, rozpoczął więzienną wędrówkę po obozach Auschwitz, Buchenwald, Flossenbürg i Dachau.
Podkreśla, że mógł zginąć wielokrotnie i że przeżył cudem, często dzięki napotkanym przyjaciołom. Jednak nie skupia się tylko na tym. Nawet chętniej wspomina epizody, które pozwalały oderwać się od upiornej obozowej rzeczywistości. Życie sportowca we wczesnym PRL-u nie było złe, ale gdy system zaczął zaciskać pętlę, lepiej było uciec. I tak zaczął się ostatni, amerykański etap historii Henryka. Do Nowego Świata Zguda przypłynął, nie znając zupełnie języka angielskiego, jednak w odnalezieniu swego miejsca pomogło mu znów pływanie. No i przyjaciele – a w ich gronie Jerzy Kosiński.
Dzieje Henryka spisała Katrina Shawver – dziennikarka, która poznała go przypadkiem Na podstawie wspomnień i szeregu rozmów z samym Zgudą, a po jego śmierci z żoną, stworzyła portret człowieka nietuzinkowego o równie barwnych, co zagmatwanych losach, jakie stały się w XX wieku udziałem wielu Polaków. Katrina Shawver – dziennikarka z ponad dwudziestoletnim stażem.
Blogerka, pisarka, mówczyni. Absolwentka kierunków anglistyka i nauki polityczne na University of Arizona. Przygotowując cykl artykułów dla „The Arizona Republic” poznała Henryka Zgudę. Historia polskiego więźnia wydała się jej tak fascynująca, że postanowiła napisać swoja pierwszą książkę, za którą otrzymała rozliczne nagrod
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2017
97 people are currently reading
2616 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Shawver
1 book75 followersKatrina is an experienced writer, speaker, and lifelong history geek. She holds a BA from the University of Arizona in English/Political Science and has excelled at the School of Trial and Error. In 2002, while writing for the Arizona Republic newspaper, she met Henry Zguda, a Polish Catholic survivor of German concentration camps, and soon offered to write his incredible story. She spent many years researching Poland, World War II, and the Holocaust.
The Polish American Congress - Arizona division awarded Katrina their 2018 Polish Heritage Award for “her contribution to the documentation of the suffering inflicted on Polish people during the Holocaust.” It stands as her most treasured award among many others received. Give her a good book, cozy chair, and a glass of Merlot and she sighs contentment. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, in the US with her husband. She still dreams of the day sweet potato fries count as a vegetable.
The Polish American Congress - Arizona division awarded Katrina their 2018 Polish Heritage Award for “her contribution to the documentation of the suffering inflicted on Polish people during the Holocaust.” It stands as her most treasured award among many others received. Give her a good book, cozy chair, and a glass of Merlot and she sighs contentment. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, in the US with her husband. She still dreams of the day sweet potato fries count as a vegetable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 29, 2017
Check out all of my reviews at http://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
HENRY: A POLISH SWIMMER’S TRUE STORY OF FRIENDSHIP FROM AUSCHWITZ TO AMERICA by Katrina Shawver is a memoir/biography that had me turning the pages and finishing this memorable read in just two sittings.
Katrina Shawver was trying to come up with a new story for her column in ‘The Arizona Republic’ when she heard about a former Polish swimming star who survived the death camps of WWII Germany. After her column ran, she knew she had to continue meeting with Henry and tell his entire story. He had an amazing cache of original documents and pictures with stories for them all. This book documents Henry’s story in his own words and the author interjects her own research that verifies Henry’s stories.
Henry tells his story to Ms. Shawver over many taped meetings. With gallows humor and always a sense of hope, Henry recalls his youth and capture by the Germans as they rounded up all Polish young men after their invasion. Henry was a strong young man who was a champion swimmer and water polo player for the Krakow YMCA team at the time of his arrest. Catholic and a proud Pole, Henry was sent to Auschwitz 1 as a political prisoner.
There are several instances when Henry should have died, but he always seemed to know someone who would find him at just the right time to help him survive. Henry knows he was incredibly lucky. From Auschwitz to Buchenwald, Henry details camp life. Even with all the killing and death, there are stories that sound absurd to the situation, but were small moments to forget where and what they were living through so that they could hope and survive for another day.
I have read many stories of the camps from Jewish survivor stories, but this book is through the eyes of a Polish political prisoner. I learned that they could and did send and receive mail, that there were underground activities ongoing in the camps and that the prisoners were segregated from the Jewish prisoners. Buchenwald held mainly German communists, criminals, Jehovah Witnesses, gypsies and the 1000 political prisoner Poles sent from Auschwitz until almost the end of the war.
Henry survives to live under communist rule in Poland because he returns home to his mother. After she is gone, he and a friend have the chance to escape to freedom in the west and they take it.
You will not be able to resist Henry. He is an ordinary young man who survived and lived an extraordinary life. If you are like me and devour books about WWII, this one should definitely be on your list.
Thanks very much to Koehler Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I could not have enjoyed it more.
HENRY: A POLISH SWIMMER’S TRUE STORY OF FRIENDSHIP FROM AUSCHWITZ TO AMERICA by Katrina Shawver is a memoir/biography that had me turning the pages and finishing this memorable read in just two sittings.
Katrina Shawver was trying to come up with a new story for her column in ‘The Arizona Republic’ when she heard about a former Polish swimming star who survived the death camps of WWII Germany. After her column ran, she knew she had to continue meeting with Henry and tell his entire story. He had an amazing cache of original documents and pictures with stories for them all. This book documents Henry’s story in his own words and the author interjects her own research that verifies Henry’s stories.
Henry tells his story to Ms. Shawver over many taped meetings. With gallows humor and always a sense of hope, Henry recalls his youth and capture by the Germans as they rounded up all Polish young men after their invasion. Henry was a strong young man who was a champion swimmer and water polo player for the Krakow YMCA team at the time of his arrest. Catholic and a proud Pole, Henry was sent to Auschwitz 1 as a political prisoner.
There are several instances when Henry should have died, but he always seemed to know someone who would find him at just the right time to help him survive. Henry knows he was incredibly lucky. From Auschwitz to Buchenwald, Henry details camp life. Even with all the killing and death, there are stories that sound absurd to the situation, but were small moments to forget where and what they were living through so that they could hope and survive for another day.
I have read many stories of the camps from Jewish survivor stories, but this book is through the eyes of a Polish political prisoner. I learned that they could and did send and receive mail, that there were underground activities ongoing in the camps and that the prisoners were segregated from the Jewish prisoners. Buchenwald held mainly German communists, criminals, Jehovah Witnesses, gypsies and the 1000 political prisoner Poles sent from Auschwitz until almost the end of the war.
Henry survives to live under communist rule in Poland because he returns home to his mother. After she is gone, he and a friend have the chance to escape to freedom in the west and they take it.
You will not be able to resist Henry. He is an ordinary young man who survived and lived an extraordinary life. If you are like me and devour books about WWII, this one should definitely be on your list.
Thanks very much to Koehler Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I could not have enjoyed it more.
October 1, 2017
HENRY is an extraordinary addition to the body of WWII literature. It is the harrowing personal experiences of this Catholic Pole as a prisoner in the German concentration camps of Auschwitz, Buchenwald, and Dachau that yield information found nowhere else and keep the reader riveted to the page. Shawver has captured the essence of Henry as he weathered unbelievable hard times and yet retained his human dignity and hope in spite of everything. A life well-lived. A swimming star to cheer for!"
James Conroyd Martin, Author of "The Boy Who Wanted Wings."
James Conroyd Martin, Author of "The Boy Who Wanted Wings."
April 18, 2021
This book won the 2018 Arizona Nonfiction Book of the Year, and it was well-deserved. The author met Henry through her job as a newspaper columnist. She interviewed him for an article, and she knew after that first visit that his story belonged in a book.
In addition to Jews, Hitler wanted to eradicate the disabled, Jehovah’s Witnesses and many more groups of people he believed were less-than. Henry spent several years in German concentration camps during WWI as a political prisoner, because he was Polish. He survived partly because he was Catholic and strong-willed, and partly because of luck. He witnessed, endured and persevered through unspeakable horrors, torture and near starvation. Many people had asked him if they could write his story, and he had always said no – until Shawver.
For whatever reason, Henry and Shawver clicked. He opened up to her during many weekly conversations, which she recorded and transcribed. She also conducted extensive research, both locally and abroad. She expertly weaves together Henry’s stories (in his own words and voice), with important historical context and her personal reflections about Henry and the Holocaust. Henry’s light heart and positive attitude shines through on every page. The resulting book is at turns gripping and humorous, heartbreaking and inspiring. Highly recommended.
In addition to Jews, Hitler wanted to eradicate the disabled, Jehovah’s Witnesses and many more groups of people he believed were less-than. Henry spent several years in German concentration camps during WWI as a political prisoner, because he was Polish. He survived partly because he was Catholic and strong-willed, and partly because of luck. He witnessed, endured and persevered through unspeakable horrors, torture and near starvation. Many people had asked him if they could write his story, and he had always said no – until Shawver.
For whatever reason, Henry and Shawver clicked. He opened up to her during many weekly conversations, which she recorded and transcribed. She also conducted extensive research, both locally and abroad. She expertly weaves together Henry’s stories (in his own words and voice), with important historical context and her personal reflections about Henry and the Holocaust. Henry’s light heart and positive attitude shines through on every page. The resulting book is at turns gripping and humorous, heartbreaking and inspiring. Highly recommended.
November 1, 2017
Inspiring!
Getting to know Henry is absolutely inspiring. Henry spells out and reconstructions his life for the author, bringing his story of survival from one of the darkest and horrific times in history. It was created by the author's interviews with Henry Zguda, and it was remarkable. "Henry was a Catholic Pole who had been arrested, tortured, and imprisoned for three years in concentration camps for one reason only: he was Polish, and Germany had sworn to destroy all of Poland. He’d been a respected survivor in Poland, or “Auschwitzer." The photos of Henry and his family, were wonderful and ageless. It's a heartfelt, heart warming and heart breaking story. History comes alive, with all its darkness, secrets, terrors and life-filled events. This reader read every single word, and even went back. It's one you won't want to miss, and you shouldn't miss. Highly Recommended story.
September 15, 2018
Author Katrina Shawver writes with the awe of a child listening to an enticing fairytale at the feet of a great story teller. But, Henry: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America (koehlerbooks, 2017) is not a fairytale. From her long interviews with the elder Henry, Shawver delivers the reality of Henry’s world during World War II as a journey of discovery. It is a history many people still don’t know well.
More than 70 years after the WWII, we learn Henry’s plight from Olympic level swimmer in Poland to German Nazi camp prisoner. Having almost died many times from starvation, disease, hard labor, he survived to become a congenial and sought-after physical therapist to Hollywood stars in America. He never let his loss of health or mental anguish keep him from finding joy in life, especially with his beloved American wife, Nancy.
Henry’s story is backed by authentic documents reprinted throughout the book, Shawver’s meticulous research, including a trip to Poland, to Auschwitz. Her own reactions to learning Henry’s horrific story are what makes this non-fiction book additionally interesting. She has no agenda other than reporting truth with her professional journalist’s intellectual curiosity, and her commitment to her new friends, Henry and Nancy. Completely a naïve American, Shawver is neither Polish nor Jewish, so that Henry’s story resonates with both her and her readers. Henry is not Jewish either but has many encounters with other prisoners who are Jewish, thus his story is another witness account of the Holocaust.
Shawver almost becomes the daughter Henry could never have, as the brutality of the Germans disrupted his life. She has made a huge contribution to the saga of WWII Poland’s history with Henry’s true story. It is through Henry’s generous sharing of those painful memories and Shawver’s excellent writing that wins over the reader.
More than 70 years after the WWII, we learn Henry’s plight from Olympic level swimmer in Poland to German Nazi camp prisoner. Having almost died many times from starvation, disease, hard labor, he survived to become a congenial and sought-after physical therapist to Hollywood stars in America. He never let his loss of health or mental anguish keep him from finding joy in life, especially with his beloved American wife, Nancy.
Henry’s story is backed by authentic documents reprinted throughout the book, Shawver’s meticulous research, including a trip to Poland, to Auschwitz. Her own reactions to learning Henry’s horrific story are what makes this non-fiction book additionally interesting. She has no agenda other than reporting truth with her professional journalist’s intellectual curiosity, and her commitment to her new friends, Henry and Nancy. Completely a naïve American, Shawver is neither Polish nor Jewish, so that Henry’s story resonates with both her and her readers. Henry is not Jewish either but has many encounters with other prisoners who are Jewish, thus his story is another witness account of the Holocaust.
Shawver almost becomes the daughter Henry could never have, as the brutality of the Germans disrupted his life. She has made a huge contribution to the saga of WWII Poland’s history with Henry’s true story. It is through Henry’s generous sharing of those painful memories and Shawver’s excellent writing that wins over the reader.
October 19, 2017
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Looking for something for her Arizona Republic column, Katrina Shawver found and interviewed Henry Zguda, a octogenarian, who'd been a competitive swimmer in Poland who'd spent three years in Auschwitz and Buchenwald. The interview struck a chord with her and she soon returned to his home to propose they write a book about his experiences.
This book is the result of a series of interviews Shawver conducted with Henry, her own research (including trips to the original sites), and some letters, photographs, etc. that Henry provided (some of which Henry pilfered from Auscwitz' records some time after the war!). We get an idea what life was like in Poland before Hitler invaded and began to destroy the nation and its citizens -- then we get several chapters detailing his life in the camps. Following that, we get a brief look at his life in Poland after the war and when the Communists took over, followed by his life in America after that -- meeting his wife and living a life that many of us would envy. The bulk of the book is told using transcripts (with a little editing) of interview tapes with Henry, so the reader can "hear" his voice telling his stories. Shawver will stitch together the memories with details and pictures, as well as with bits of her trip to Poland and the camps there. We are also treated to a glance at the friendship that develops between Henry, Shawver and Henry's wife through the production of the book.
More than once while reading it, I thought about how much I was enjoying the read -- and then I felt guilty and wrong for doing so. This was a book about someone who lived through Auschwitz and Buchenwald, how dare I find it charming and want to read more (not for information, or to have a better idea what atrocities were committed). I've watched (and read the transcript) Claude Lanzmann's Shoah (for one example), and never once thought about cracking a smile. I certainly never wanted to spend more time with the subjects. This is all because of the way that Shawver told Henry's story, and Henry's own voice. I did learn a lot -- I should stress. For example, there was mail back and forth between the prisoners and family (for those that were willing to give the Nazis an address for their family), Henry at one point looks at some letters from prisoners online, checking not for names, but numbers he recognizes. Or the idea that there were light periods in the labor duty -- not out of mercy, compassion or anything, but because the guards got time off, and there was no one to make the prisoner's work.
The subtitle does tell us that it's a story of friendship -- several friendships, actually. Without his friends, Henry's story would have likely been much shorter, with very different ending. It's easy to assume that others could say that because of Henry, as well. There's also the story of the brief friendship of Henry and Shawvver, without her, we wouldn't have this book. There were some moments early on that I thought that Shawvver might be giving us too much about her in the book, but I got used to it and understood why she chose that. In the end her "presence" in the book's unfolding helps the reader learn to appreciate Henry the man,not just Henry the historical figure.
This is a deceptively easy read, the conversational tone of Henry's segments, particularly, are engaging and you're hearing someone tell you great stories of his youth. Until you stop and listen to what he's talking about, then you're horrified (and relieved, sickened, inspired, and more). Shawver should be commended for the way she kept the disparate elements in this book balanced while never undercutting the horrible reality that Henry survived.
This is something that everyone should read -- it's too easy to hear about the Holocaust, about the concentration camps, and everything else and think of them as historical events, statistics. But reading this (or books like it), helps you to see that this happened to people -- not just people who suffered there -- but people who had lives before and after this horror. If we can remember that it was about people hurting people, nothing more abstract, maybe there's hope we won't repeat this kind of thing.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
---
Looking for something for her Arizona Republic column, Katrina Shawver found and interviewed Henry Zguda, a octogenarian, who'd been a competitive swimmer in Poland who'd spent three years in Auschwitz and Buchenwald. The interview struck a chord with her and she soon returned to his home to propose they write a book about his experiences.
This book is the result of a series of interviews Shawver conducted with Henry, her own research (including trips to the original sites), and some letters, photographs, etc. that Henry provided (some of which Henry pilfered from Auscwitz' records some time after the war!). We get an idea what life was like in Poland before Hitler invaded and began to destroy the nation and its citizens -- then we get several chapters detailing his life in the camps. Following that, we get a brief look at his life in Poland after the war and when the Communists took over, followed by his life in America after that -- meeting his wife and living a life that many of us would envy. The bulk of the book is told using transcripts (with a little editing) of interview tapes with Henry, so the reader can "hear" his voice telling his stories. Shawver will stitch together the memories with details and pictures, as well as with bits of her trip to Poland and the camps there. We are also treated to a glance at the friendship that develops between Henry, Shawver and Henry's wife through the production of the book.
More than once while reading it, I thought about how much I was enjoying the read -- and then I felt guilty and wrong for doing so. This was a book about someone who lived through Auschwitz and Buchenwald, how dare I find it charming and want to read more (not for information, or to have a better idea what atrocities were committed). I've watched (and read the transcript) Claude Lanzmann's Shoah (for one example), and never once thought about cracking a smile. I certainly never wanted to spend more time with the subjects. This is all because of the way that Shawver told Henry's story, and Henry's own voice. I did learn a lot -- I should stress. For example, there was mail back and forth between the prisoners and family (for those that were willing to give the Nazis an address for their family), Henry at one point looks at some letters from prisoners online, checking not for names, but numbers he recognizes. Or the idea that there were light periods in the labor duty -- not out of mercy, compassion or anything, but because the guards got time off, and there was no one to make the prisoner's work.
The subtitle does tell us that it's a story of friendship -- several friendships, actually. Without his friends, Henry's story would have likely been much shorter, with very different ending. It's easy to assume that others could say that because of Henry, as well. There's also the story of the brief friendship of Henry and Shawvver, without her, we wouldn't have this book. There were some moments early on that I thought that Shawvver might be giving us too much about her in the book, but I got used to it and understood why she chose that. In the end her "presence" in the book's unfolding helps the reader learn to appreciate Henry the man,not just Henry the historical figure.
This is a deceptively easy read, the conversational tone of Henry's segments, particularly, are engaging and you're hearing someone tell you great stories of his youth. Until you stop and listen to what he's talking about, then you're horrified (and relieved, sickened, inspired, and more). Shawver should be commended for the way she kept the disparate elements in this book balanced while never undercutting the horrible reality that Henry survived.
This is something that everyone should read -- it's too easy to hear about the Holocaust, about the concentration camps, and everything else and think of them as historical events, statistics. But reading this (or books like it), helps you to see that this happened to people -- not just people who suffered there -- but people who had lives before and after this horror. If we can remember that it was about people hurting people, nothing more abstract, maybe there's hope we won't repeat this kind of thing.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 30, 2022
This was an incredible story and to think it was the author’s first book. It was hard to read certain parts of it but is was well worth it. I loved the friendship that Katrina the author developed with Henry and his wonderful wife Nancy. She was like a part of their family.
So many bad things happened to the Polish people. But the one that I cannot get over is after the war two of Polands allies before the war Great Britain and the United States reached an agreement that Poland would be under communism. After all they were through this was their “reward” for surviving the war.
I certainly recommend this book you will love it,and it could be a quick read.
So many bad things happened to the Polish people. But the one that I cannot get over is after the war two of Polands allies before the war Great Britain and the United States reached an agreement that Poland would be under communism. After all they were through this was their “reward” for surviving the war.
I certainly recommend this book you will love it,and it could be a quick read.
November 21, 2017
Henry: A Polish Swimmer's True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America by Katrina Shawver is a fabulous read. I highly recommend it!
August 6, 2025
A primary account of life in Auschwitz. Scary as a novel, terrifying as a true story. Interested in the topic, a great read. Enjoy!
July 6, 2018
This is a most fascinating read about the life of Henry Zguda, who was a champion swimmer in Poland. The author tape recorded her many interviews of Henry, researched to verify facts, visited and saw places in Poland of which he spoke, and included photographs. The tumultuous history of Poland and its unique political position made it a target for such countries as Russia and Germany to invade. It was difficult to read about Henry's years in two concentration camps because the reality of those places were so well described.
A must read for everyone. It is historical, biographical, interesting, and well written.
A must read for everyone. It is historical, biographical, interesting, and well written.
October 1, 2017
Elie Wiesel said “'When you listen to a witness, you become a witness.” Katrina Shawver’s luminous non-fiction, Henry:
A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America is a beautifully rendered act of witness and love about an extraordinary Pole, Henry Zguda, a Christian, a political prisoner in Auschwitz and Buchenwald. Shawver’s compelling narrative illuminates Henry’s memories as well as his heart and his enduring humor. She has rescued Henry’s vital piece of Holocaust history so that we don’t forget, and as an immunization against recurrence. Everyone who reads Henry becomes a witness.
– Jack Mayer, Vermont writer and pediatrician, author of LIFE IN A JAR: THE IRENA SENDLER PROJECT, non-fiction about the Warsaw ghetto and a new historical fiction about the rise of the Third Reich, BEFORE THE COURT OF HEAVEN.
– Jack Mayer, Vermont writer and pediatrician, author of LIFE IN A JAR: THE IRENA SENDLER PROJECT, non-fiction about the Warsaw ghetto and a new historical fiction about the rise of the Third Reich, BEFORE THE COURT OF HEAVEN.
November 4, 2017
I really wanted to give this book a higher rating. However, the organization and writing were a distraction. The author admits she had a hard time pulling the hours of interviews and her extensive research together. Unfortunately she didn’t get enough help to make this work as important as the material deserves. What has become of talented editors?
Henry’s remembrances of growing up in Poland, as a survivor of WWII concentration camps, the Nazi death March, post-war Russian rule and finally emigration to America are fascinating. The author frequently veered from Henry’s retelling into background material without transition. Varied type or headers could easily have corrected this cumbersome feature. It is obvious that the author went to great lengths to research and verify the material but sometimes it becomes more about her and less about Henry’s incredible story.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.
Henry’s remembrances of growing up in Poland, as a survivor of WWII concentration camps, the Nazi death March, post-war Russian rule and finally emigration to America are fascinating. The author frequently veered from Henry’s retelling into background material without transition. Varied type or headers could easily have corrected this cumbersome feature. It is obvious that the author went to great lengths to research and verify the material but sometimes it becomes more about her and less about Henry’s incredible story.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.
September 10, 2018
The book Henry is well worth reading. Not only do you read about Henry's harrowing time in Auschwitz but his life afterward to age 92!! He told the author that she was not to dwell on the bad times but all the wonderful times afterward. Told in a conversational way, you feel as if Henry is talking to you! The author asks questions just as we would for clarification. He is so charming and has funny stories to illustrate his many adventures. Definitely worth the awards that are coming along!! It was fun for me since I have been to Krakow and remembered the places he mentioned in his youth. It is not necessary for enjoyment but was fun for me having been there!
The book is well researched and fine points have been checked on so that all is in order. Really recommend it highly!
The book is well researched and fine points have been checked on so that all is in order. Really recommend it highly!
March 8, 2018
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. The Holocaust is a section of history that will always break my heart, yet it's fascinating for me at the same time.
I had high expectations for "Henry," but those expectations weren't necessarily met. While I enjoyed the contrast between Henry's account of events with explanations of history, there just wasn't a lot of information about Henry himself. The author transcribed her meetings with Henry, but because English is not Henry's first language, a lot of the words and meanings just didn't flow well at times. As a writer, I really think Katrina Shawver could have told Henry's stories better. There were also times where I became confused because I would be reading Henry's story in one section and then right after that Katrin Shawver would be recounting her trip to Poland or other events.
While this book has an amazing concept, it just wasn't all the way there for me.
I had high expectations for "Henry," but those expectations weren't necessarily met. While I enjoyed the contrast between Henry's account of events with explanations of history, there just wasn't a lot of information about Henry himself. The author transcribed her meetings with Henry, but because English is not Henry's first language, a lot of the words and meanings just didn't flow well at times. As a writer, I really think Katrina Shawver could have told Henry's stories better. There were also times where I became confused because I would be reading Henry's story in one section and then right after that Katrin Shawver would be recounting her trip to Poland or other events.
While this book has an amazing concept, it just wasn't all the way there for me.
December 12, 2017
This is the fascinating story of an extraordinary Polish man, Henry Zguda, who experienced horrific cruelty and miraculous rescues while at Auschwitz and other concentration camps during WWII. After the war, he eventually made his way to the US and survived to find happiness for the remainder of his life. He claimed to have survived due to two things: luck and meeting people who were able to help him. I would add two more reasons: he was a serious athlete, a large man in top physical condition before being sent to the camps, and he was an outgoing, personable man who made good friends wherever he went and tried to help others whenever he could.
This is not just an account of his wartime experiences. It is more a portrait of a remarkable man who lived through unimaginable circumstances. The author, Shawver, a journalist, got a tip that she should meet this amazing man, with the possibility of writing an article about his life. Once she met him, she realized that she would need to write a book to describe all the important events of his life adequately. He and his wife enthusiastically agreed, and the lengthy process of writing this book began. As they continued meeting, they became dear friends.
The author was able to convey a sense of Zguda’s unique attributes and personality so well that I felt as if I knew him and cared deeply about him. I felt very sad when he died, an old man, after a long and happy life.
I appreciated that the author provided corroborating evidence to back up Zguda’s version of events, including documents, letters and photos. There were many surprising aspects of life in the camps that I’ve never read in any other books. An example: He mentioned casually that he used to swim at Auschwitz. Shawver was quite surprised, but after some searching was able to find a book about some women at Auschwitz that also described the swimming “pool”, though it was really more of a trough. Shawver was also surprised to learn that prisoners were able to send letters, and provides photos of some of these post cards. Since the Nazis were such meticulous record keepers, there are a considerable number of documents she provides to verify Zguda’s account of his experiences.
If you’re interested in this book, you are probably prepared for some grisly descriptions. There were a few places that made me cringe and wonder about how humanity could have produced these human monsters, but for the most part, his descriptions were understated and told matter of factly, as if these things were not unusual. At one point he pulled out a photo of a Nazi officer directing prisoners to load an emaciated body into one of the crematorium ovens. (Be forewarned that this photo is included in the book.) KS was shocked as she’d never seen anything like it during her extensive research travels. She knew it was a treasure, irreplaceable, and belonged in a museum. Asked where he got it, he said he’d taken it off a dead Nazi near the time the camp was emancipated. The way he said such things casually, as if it was nothing special, made these gruesome events even more chilling.
It was fortuitous that this journalist happened upon this story at just the right time, since she convinced them to preserve these memories and the photos, letters, and other mementos. I am very glad I read this, and urge you to read it as well. It is hard to put down, and will make you think. I found it comforting to think that such a good man existed and survived in such incomprehensible circumstances.
Highly recommended.
Note: I received an advance copy of the ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is not just an account of his wartime experiences. It is more a portrait of a remarkable man who lived through unimaginable circumstances. The author, Shawver, a journalist, got a tip that she should meet this amazing man, with the possibility of writing an article about his life. Once she met him, she realized that she would need to write a book to describe all the important events of his life adequately. He and his wife enthusiastically agreed, and the lengthy process of writing this book began. As they continued meeting, they became dear friends.
The author was able to convey a sense of Zguda’s unique attributes and personality so well that I felt as if I knew him and cared deeply about him. I felt very sad when he died, an old man, after a long and happy life.
I appreciated that the author provided corroborating evidence to back up Zguda’s version of events, including documents, letters and photos. There were many surprising aspects of life in the camps that I’ve never read in any other books. An example: He mentioned casually that he used to swim at Auschwitz. Shawver was quite surprised, but after some searching was able to find a book about some women at Auschwitz that also described the swimming “pool”, though it was really more of a trough. Shawver was also surprised to learn that prisoners were able to send letters, and provides photos of some of these post cards. Since the Nazis were such meticulous record keepers, there are a considerable number of documents she provides to verify Zguda’s account of his experiences.
If you’re interested in this book, you are probably prepared for some grisly descriptions. There were a few places that made me cringe and wonder about how humanity could have produced these human monsters, but for the most part, his descriptions were understated and told matter of factly, as if these things were not unusual. At one point he pulled out a photo of a Nazi officer directing prisoners to load an emaciated body into one of the crematorium ovens. (Be forewarned that this photo is included in the book.) KS was shocked as she’d never seen anything like it during her extensive research travels. She knew it was a treasure, irreplaceable, and belonged in a museum. Asked where he got it, he said he’d taken it off a dead Nazi near the time the camp was emancipated. The way he said such things casually, as if it was nothing special, made these gruesome events even more chilling.
It was fortuitous that this journalist happened upon this story at just the right time, since she convinced them to preserve these memories and the photos, letters, and other mementos. I am very glad I read this, and urge you to read it as well. It is hard to put down, and will make you think. I found it comforting to think that such a good man existed and survived in such incomprehensible circumstances.
Highly recommended.
Note: I received an advance copy of the ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2018
Reviewed by Josh Cramer for Reader Views (1/18)
“Henry: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America” is incredible. Katrina Shawver tells a beautiful story of friendship and survival, while mixing in an unforgettable history lesson. This is a book that you will not soon forget. In fact, Jack Mayer (another author who writes about the Holocaust), said that “Everyone who reads Henry becomes a witness.” I have to agree with him—now that I’ve read “Henry,” I am a witness to his life and torture, and the love and friendship that he gained as well.
Throughout this book, the author explores how she came to meet and interview Henry Zguda, a Holocaust survivor, becoming a part of his and his wife’s lives. Shawver, and I for that matter, learn that there were many, many more people in concentration camps who weren’t Jews, and what life was like for them. We see Henry’s life growing up in Poland as well as learn about Poland’s history. We learn about the social environment that led to Auschwitz and other camps. And we learn that the prisoners did things other than just work or die. This book was eye-opening to me in that way. Henry describes how the Germans allowed their relatives to put money in an account for them (that they would be charged from regularly) and that he and a fellow prisoner turned a giant barrel into a swimming pool one night. He describes the death around him as well as the lengths that he and his fellow prisoners went through to survive. All the while, Shawver interlaces history lessons and her own search for the truth of Henry’s claims once he passed away. The story of their friendship is one of the most beautiful things about this book.
We eventually see Henry’s attempted escape, (which caused me to laugh out loud – you’ll laugh too – I can’t believe he and others could find humor in what was going on), and eventual rescue by the United States. It’s exciting to see his escape, but frustrating when you realize he trades one prison for another because Russia now controls Poland. He has to escape from the Communists who had taken over Poland. It is amazing the thin threads that allowed him to survive and thrive in his life—to see where he was before the war and after the war.
The most spectacular part of Henry’s journey is the lesson that he did not allow the war or the abuse he received to define him. He did what he could to help others to live a life of meaning. In fact, in the end, Henry has this to say about his life: “Thank you America, for being such a wonderful country and for being so good to me. Thank you, New York, for giving me your wonderful girl, Nancy, as my wife. For 40 years she has survived my broken English, and is always there when I need her. I am truly blessed. Life can be beautiful!”
Interlaced throughout the narrative are pictures, cards, and other documents that Shawver collected during her research. Seeing these pictures makes what Henry had to go through feel all the more real.
I have to admit, no other book that I’ve read on the Holocaust has made the heartache feel so real and as heart-breaking as this one. I highly recommend you read “Henry: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America” by Katrina Shawver. Take your time and absorb the stories Henry tells about his experiences. Some are incredibly shocking, and not even for the brutality. Some are shocking just because of the little ways that people fought for survival. So go on. Read it.
“Henry: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America” is incredible. Katrina Shawver tells a beautiful story of friendship and survival, while mixing in an unforgettable history lesson. This is a book that you will not soon forget. In fact, Jack Mayer (another author who writes about the Holocaust), said that “Everyone who reads Henry becomes a witness.” I have to agree with him—now that I’ve read “Henry,” I am a witness to his life and torture, and the love and friendship that he gained as well.
Throughout this book, the author explores how she came to meet and interview Henry Zguda, a Holocaust survivor, becoming a part of his and his wife’s lives. Shawver, and I for that matter, learn that there were many, many more people in concentration camps who weren’t Jews, and what life was like for them. We see Henry’s life growing up in Poland as well as learn about Poland’s history. We learn about the social environment that led to Auschwitz and other camps. And we learn that the prisoners did things other than just work or die. This book was eye-opening to me in that way. Henry describes how the Germans allowed their relatives to put money in an account for them (that they would be charged from regularly) and that he and a fellow prisoner turned a giant barrel into a swimming pool one night. He describes the death around him as well as the lengths that he and his fellow prisoners went through to survive. All the while, Shawver interlaces history lessons and her own search for the truth of Henry’s claims once he passed away. The story of their friendship is one of the most beautiful things about this book.
We eventually see Henry’s attempted escape, (which caused me to laugh out loud – you’ll laugh too – I can’t believe he and others could find humor in what was going on), and eventual rescue by the United States. It’s exciting to see his escape, but frustrating when you realize he trades one prison for another because Russia now controls Poland. He has to escape from the Communists who had taken over Poland. It is amazing the thin threads that allowed him to survive and thrive in his life—to see where he was before the war and after the war.
The most spectacular part of Henry’s journey is the lesson that he did not allow the war or the abuse he received to define him. He did what he could to help others to live a life of meaning. In fact, in the end, Henry has this to say about his life: “Thank you America, for being such a wonderful country and for being so good to me. Thank you, New York, for giving me your wonderful girl, Nancy, as my wife. For 40 years she has survived my broken English, and is always there when I need her. I am truly blessed. Life can be beautiful!”
Interlaced throughout the narrative are pictures, cards, and other documents that Shawver collected during her research. Seeing these pictures makes what Henry had to go through feel all the more real.
I have to admit, no other book that I’ve read on the Holocaust has made the heartache feel so real and as heart-breaking as this one. I highly recommend you read “Henry: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America” by Katrina Shawver. Take your time and absorb the stories Henry tells about his experiences. Some are incredibly shocking, and not even for the brutality. Some are shocking just because of the little ways that people fought for survival. So go on. Read it.
March 20, 2018
Henry tells his story as a champion swimmer and swimming coach, interrupted by three years of imprisonment in Auschwitz and Buchenwald as a Polish political prisoner. He had an exceptional memory and an impressive cache of original documents and photos. I ran across this fascinating story when I met the author, Katrina, at an Arizona Authors Association event. She was a local journalist who’d written hundreds of newspaper columns for the Arizona Republic. She met eighty-five-year-old Henry Zguda in 2002 from a tip she received of a good story, which resulted in a fifteen-year journey, writing between raising three children, but she promised Henry and his wife she’d tell their story - and what a historic journey it was. During those fifteen years she actually visited Poland to verify much of Henry’s story and used a host of translators to assure the authenticity of this amazing life.
Henry’s story provides a broader perspective on the Holocaust and reminded me that no single class of people was safe from Hitler’s reach or imprisonment, and that no country suffered more from Hitler and Stalin than Poland. The author puts Henry’s story into a historic context that is astoundingly brutal.
“On October 7, 1941, the first major transport of Soviet prisoners of war arrived at Auschwitz, and more transports of Soviet POWs came shortly thereafter. Construction on Birkenau began the next day. All in all, 13,775 Soviets were brought to camp and immediately put to work building Birkenau. They lived without shelter, in the cold and mud. Nearly all perished…”
The scene of the Buchenwald crematorium was most grizzly, “Get outta here,” the guards ordered me, swinging their rifles at me. They sent me back to carry the cadavers. We had to continuously transport the dead. At one point, I tripped and fell with these bodies on top of me. My knee rammed into the cement stairs. The SS saw me go down and came over waving at me.
Henry was finally a free man in April 1945 when U.S. troops liberated Dachau, nearly three years after his arrest, ending years of “starvation, imprisonment, and witnessing so much death…”
Henry escapes Europe for the U.S. and will never forget the moment that people often ignore in this day of negative news about immigrants, “Leon and I arrive finally to the New York port. We waved to the Statue of Liberty as we sailed by her. We disembark from the S.S. America. The ship unloads our four valises – two each - and we just stood there on the pier with the water behind us. We are foreign. We stand on the pier with our backs to the ocean, facing our new country. Everyone around us is “Hi, how are you?! And hugs and smiles. All I hear is garbled nonsense—we don’t speak any English.”
The book is packed with 70 original photos and rare German documents and ends with “Topics for Discussion,” which is important in this day and age of misinformation about the Holocaust and immigration in general. The amazing true story takes on a sad but true historic journey and shows how one man survived and then found the love of his life.
Product details
• Paperback
• Publisher: Koehler Books (November 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1633935205
• ISBN-13: 978-1633935204
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars 53 customer reviews
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #368,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Henry’s story provides a broader perspective on the Holocaust and reminded me that no single class of people was safe from Hitler’s reach or imprisonment, and that no country suffered more from Hitler and Stalin than Poland. The author puts Henry’s story into a historic context that is astoundingly brutal.
“On October 7, 1941, the first major transport of Soviet prisoners of war arrived at Auschwitz, and more transports of Soviet POWs came shortly thereafter. Construction on Birkenau began the next day. All in all, 13,775 Soviets were brought to camp and immediately put to work building Birkenau. They lived without shelter, in the cold and mud. Nearly all perished…”
The scene of the Buchenwald crematorium was most grizzly, “Get outta here,” the guards ordered me, swinging their rifles at me. They sent me back to carry the cadavers. We had to continuously transport the dead. At one point, I tripped and fell with these bodies on top of me. My knee rammed into the cement stairs. The SS saw me go down and came over waving at me.
Henry was finally a free man in April 1945 when U.S. troops liberated Dachau, nearly three years after his arrest, ending years of “starvation, imprisonment, and witnessing so much death…”
Henry escapes Europe for the U.S. and will never forget the moment that people often ignore in this day of negative news about immigrants, “Leon and I arrive finally to the New York port. We waved to the Statue of Liberty as we sailed by her. We disembark from the S.S. America. The ship unloads our four valises – two each - and we just stood there on the pier with the water behind us. We are foreign. We stand on the pier with our backs to the ocean, facing our new country. Everyone around us is “Hi, how are you?! And hugs and smiles. All I hear is garbled nonsense—we don’t speak any English.”
The book is packed with 70 original photos and rare German documents and ends with “Topics for Discussion,” which is important in this day and age of misinformation about the Holocaust and immigration in general. The amazing true story takes on a sad but true historic journey and shows how one man survived and then found the love of his life.
Product details
• Paperback
• Publisher: Koehler Books (November 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1633935205
• ISBN-13: 978-1633935204
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars 53 customer reviews
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #368,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
October 30, 2017
A Gift
I will admit that I am drawn to stories of the holocaust and the trials suffered in the Second World War. I have read a number of books both fiction and non-fiction regarding this topic. I have a great admiration and respect for anyone who has suffered through that time and I feel that their stories must continue to be heard as often and by as many of us as possible.
Shawver had the privilege of meeting Henry Zguda, a Polish survivor of Aushwitz and Buchenwald, via an article she was writing for The Arizona Republic and recognized the opportunity at hand to tell his story. This book is, as I see it, a labor of love and a project that Shawver willingly agreed to undertake without compensation and without a solid plan as to how she would pull it off. I mention this because as I read the book, I was overcome with the sense that this book not only needed to be written but also navigated itself as Henry’s story unfolded.
The book is written interview style with Shawver’s presence an active character as she not only interviews Henry over a course of time but also includes her daily challenges in getting his story down while tending to her daily responsibilities as a wife, mother, and parental caretaker. This may sound strange but these parts of the book actually serve as a reminder as to how precarious a project such as this one can be and how we might easily not have heard this story at all if the author wasn’t who she is.
Sawver also adds to the book a great deal of personal research. She travelled to the places that Henry speaks of and gathers valuable artifacts that are photographed to further illuminate Henry’s experience. The book has a reverent feel, almost as if you are moving through the book version of a memorial museum as Shawver describes her own trauma in the second-hand reliving of potent memories and acts of sheer horror.
Henry’s voice captured in his broken English shines through as he remembers for us, his past and what he endured. A handsome and imposing figure both in his youth and older years, we meet an exceptional man with an iron will. Henry speaks frequently about the forces at play that kept him alive during such an arduous journey. He comes across as accepting of his fate without a trace of bitterness but still with a healthy sense of outrage over the cruelties of man and the horrific ways that cruelty played out. His affectedness runs deep yet his love of life and mankind is ever present. He pays homage to the luck he was fortunately on the receiving end of many times but his point of view will not be lost on those who can clearly see what he had suffered and lost.
This story is worth all of our time. One of the photos included in the book was one of an older Henry and his wife Nancy well after Henry settled in the United States. I could not help thinking upon seeing that photo that this was a couple I might have seen sharing a meal in a diner or sitting together on a park bench never realizing the extraordinary lives they have led. It made me wonder how many more stories are hidden behind the eyes of people we superficially see but do not know. Stories like this one are gifts and a privilege to read. Don’t let this one pass you by. I guarantee you will be better for having read it.
BRB Rating: Read It
I will admit that I am drawn to stories of the holocaust and the trials suffered in the Second World War. I have read a number of books both fiction and non-fiction regarding this topic. I have a great admiration and respect for anyone who has suffered through that time and I feel that their stories must continue to be heard as often and by as many of us as possible.
Shawver had the privilege of meeting Henry Zguda, a Polish survivor of Aushwitz and Buchenwald, via an article she was writing for The Arizona Republic and recognized the opportunity at hand to tell his story. This book is, as I see it, a labor of love and a project that Shawver willingly agreed to undertake without compensation and without a solid plan as to how she would pull it off. I mention this because as I read the book, I was overcome with the sense that this book not only needed to be written but also navigated itself as Henry’s story unfolded.
The book is written interview style with Shawver’s presence an active character as she not only interviews Henry over a course of time but also includes her daily challenges in getting his story down while tending to her daily responsibilities as a wife, mother, and parental caretaker. This may sound strange but these parts of the book actually serve as a reminder as to how precarious a project such as this one can be and how we might easily not have heard this story at all if the author wasn’t who she is.
Sawver also adds to the book a great deal of personal research. She travelled to the places that Henry speaks of and gathers valuable artifacts that are photographed to further illuminate Henry’s experience. The book has a reverent feel, almost as if you are moving through the book version of a memorial museum as Shawver describes her own trauma in the second-hand reliving of potent memories and acts of sheer horror.
Henry’s voice captured in his broken English shines through as he remembers for us, his past and what he endured. A handsome and imposing figure both in his youth and older years, we meet an exceptional man with an iron will. Henry speaks frequently about the forces at play that kept him alive during such an arduous journey. He comes across as accepting of his fate without a trace of bitterness but still with a healthy sense of outrage over the cruelties of man and the horrific ways that cruelty played out. His affectedness runs deep yet his love of life and mankind is ever present. He pays homage to the luck he was fortunately on the receiving end of many times but his point of view will not be lost on those who can clearly see what he had suffered and lost.
This story is worth all of our time. One of the photos included in the book was one of an older Henry and his wife Nancy well after Henry settled in the United States. I could not help thinking upon seeing that photo that this was a couple I might have seen sharing a meal in a diner or sitting together on a park bench never realizing the extraordinary lives they have led. It made me wonder how many more stories are hidden behind the eyes of people we superficially see but do not know. Stories like this one are gifts and a privilege to read. Don’t let this one pass you by. I guarantee you will be better for having read it.
BRB Rating: Read It
January 16, 2018
Wow. People throw around words like "heroic" and "indomitable spirit" - and then you read a tale like Henry's and learn what they really mean... This is an incredibly moving tale (to say the least), and equally interesting and moving is the origin story behind the tale. It started almost as a bit of a throwaway - a local journalist stumbles onto a tidbit about a local human interest story (a Holocaust survivor). But it turned into something that clearly deeply affected both of them - and their families -
in ways that were heart-warming and charming in equal measure.
This is the story of a man's survival. But it's also the story of a world trying to find its way - told through not only Henry's personal history but also through the history of Poland, Germany, World War II and the aftermath that each of them faced. The book alternates between personal memoir-like narratives and historical interludes that add a depth and context to the reminiscences. Henry's voice is clear as a bell and rings just as true. The history is also well-presented and voiced. The back and forth is usually easy enough to distinguish; the two personalities (historian and subject) have very distinct voices. Occasionally, it took me an extra paragraph to figure out that Henry's actual memory had stopped and the narration had picked back up. It might have helped if there had been more clear-cut indications when the narrator shifted - but that may also have been an issue with the ebook version I read. Regardless, the tale was well presented and articulated on both sides, and if Ms. Shawver's portions of the book are slightly less interesting it is not through any fault of their own, but rather because Henry's tale is so far beyond compelling and his memories so startling in both their starkness and their occasional burst of lightness and humor.
It never ceases to amaze me that people can find joy and laughter in even the darkest moments; Henry's story embodies this in spades. It also never ceases to amaze me how much "history" leaves out. It truly is written by the victors - which often means details (large and small) that don't comport with the victoriously desirable tale are ignored or overlooked (if not outright overwritten). I am no Holocaust or middle-European scholar, but I have read more than my share of books (fiction and non-fiction) on both topics. Yet there were so many tidbits that I gleaned from this book that I had never known before - despite my own Polish-German heritage and my readings in these areas. As such, I think that the book offers not only insight into one man's personal journey, but also some long overdue portions of history - from the constant back-and-forth that has been Poland's struggle for national independence to the realities of life inside the German-operated camps of WWII (who knew, for example, that prisoners were allowed mail and packages and paid company scrip?)...
This is, of course, often an immensely difficult read. Survival is, after all, a messy business - particularly at the hands of fanatics (of any stripe). Still, it IS a survival tale - and well-worth the effort as a result.
My review copy was provided by the author. This in no way colored my review.
in ways that were heart-warming and charming in equal measure.
This is the story of a man's survival. But it's also the story of a world trying to find its way - told through not only Henry's personal history but also through the history of Poland, Germany, World War II and the aftermath that each of them faced. The book alternates between personal memoir-like narratives and historical interludes that add a depth and context to the reminiscences. Henry's voice is clear as a bell and rings just as true. The history is also well-presented and voiced. The back and forth is usually easy enough to distinguish; the two personalities (historian and subject) have very distinct voices. Occasionally, it took me an extra paragraph to figure out that Henry's actual memory had stopped and the narration had picked back up. It might have helped if there had been more clear-cut indications when the narrator shifted - but that may also have been an issue with the ebook version I read. Regardless, the tale was well presented and articulated on both sides, and if Ms. Shawver's portions of the book are slightly less interesting it is not through any fault of their own, but rather because Henry's tale is so far beyond compelling and his memories so startling in both their starkness and their occasional burst of lightness and humor.
It never ceases to amaze me that people can find joy and laughter in even the darkest moments; Henry's story embodies this in spades. It also never ceases to amaze me how much "history" leaves out. It truly is written by the victors - which often means details (large and small) that don't comport with the victoriously desirable tale are ignored or overlooked (if not outright overwritten). I am no Holocaust or middle-European scholar, but I have read more than my share of books (fiction and non-fiction) on both topics. Yet there were so many tidbits that I gleaned from this book that I had never known before - despite my own Polish-German heritage and my readings in these areas. As such, I think that the book offers not only insight into one man's personal journey, but also some long overdue portions of history - from the constant back-and-forth that has been Poland's struggle for national independence to the realities of life inside the German-operated camps of WWII (who knew, for example, that prisoners were allowed mail and packages and paid company scrip?)...
This is, of course, often an immensely difficult read. Survival is, after all, a messy business - particularly at the hands of fanatics (of any stripe). Still, it IS a survival tale - and well-worth the effort as a result.
My review copy was provided by the author. This in no way colored my review.
April 17, 2018
“Hope was the only incurable disease of Auschwitz.”—Henry Zaguda
Memoir and history weave together to tell Henry Zguda’s story- the tale of an ordinary man who lived through extraordinary times. The author conducted multiple first-person interviews with Mr. Zaguda in 2002- 2003, one year before he died at age 86.
Henry’s world changed at dawn on September 1, 1939 when some 1.8 million German troops, supported by 2,600 tanks, invaded Poland. Henry, a young man in Krakow, Poland was rounded up a few years later and sent to Auschwitz and then to other camps. What was the goal of this infamous camp? To eliminate all prisoners.
How did Henry survive the hunger, beatings, fear and degradation? He says he was “lucky and knew the right people. You needed someone to help you survive.” Of course, Henry himself had something to do with his survival. During the course of interviewing Henry, the author became close to him and his wife, and she was drawn to his infectious enthusiasm and friendliness. Henry’s ability to stay positive and connect with and encourage others surely contributed to his perseverance. Henry teaches us all a good lesson.
I am interested in World War II, so I found many nuggets to enjoy in this book. The author adds many historical facts to Henry’s retelling which provided context but may not interest all readers. Henry was a good storyteller and a “hail fellow well met” type of guy. So, we read Henry’s public version of what happened to him; but I don’t think he let the author know the “real” Henry. For this reason, the story loses some of its emotional impact.
I commend the author for writing this book about a survivor of the World War II death camps. We need books like this to keep guiding us.
“Thank you America, for being such a wonderful country and for being so good to me.”- Henry Zaguda
Memoir and history weave together to tell Henry Zguda’s story- the tale of an ordinary man who lived through extraordinary times. The author conducted multiple first-person interviews with Mr. Zaguda in 2002- 2003, one year before he died at age 86.
Henry’s world changed at dawn on September 1, 1939 when some 1.8 million German troops, supported by 2,600 tanks, invaded Poland. Henry, a young man in Krakow, Poland was rounded up a few years later and sent to Auschwitz and then to other camps. What was the goal of this infamous camp? To eliminate all prisoners.
How did Henry survive the hunger, beatings, fear and degradation? He says he was “lucky and knew the right people. You needed someone to help you survive.” Of course, Henry himself had something to do with his survival. During the course of interviewing Henry, the author became close to him and his wife, and she was drawn to his infectious enthusiasm and friendliness. Henry’s ability to stay positive and connect with and encourage others surely contributed to his perseverance. Henry teaches us all a good lesson.
I am interested in World War II, so I found many nuggets to enjoy in this book. The author adds many historical facts to Henry’s retelling which provided context but may not interest all readers. Henry was a good storyteller and a “hail fellow well met” type of guy. So, we read Henry’s public version of what happened to him; but I don’t think he let the author know the “real” Henry. For this reason, the story loses some of its emotional impact.
I commend the author for writing this book about a survivor of the World War II death camps. We need books like this to keep guiding us.
“Thank you America, for being such a wonderful country and for being so good to me.”- Henry Zaguda
November 29, 2017
Having read quite a bit of fiction set around WW2 times,I was not unfamiliar with some of the horrors of the war.
Nevertheless, this account of a survivor, a man who actually went through all that torture and lived to tell the tale, was truly chilling!
Henry's story brought out the fact that along with Jews, many Poles were also imprisoned in the concentration camps, something which I for one didn't know.
The horrible conditions of the camps, the backbreaking work given to the prisoners, severe lack of food and the cruelty of the guards and directors, as told in the words of Henry, really brought out the horrors of a war that destroyed everything in its wake.
Neither hope nor positivity nor spirit would have helped anyone survive these camps as they were utterly inhuman. The methods of killing the inmates.. Lining them enmasse and shooting them, luring them into basement rooms and hanging from hooks on the wall, gassing innocent people before they knew what was happening... Was something witnessed everyday. Survival was by extreme good luck or contacts.
Even years later, seeing pictures and hearing about the ovens used to dispose the bodies and the way corpses were piled up is unbearable.
These stories need to be told so that the world is aware and consciously prevents the creation of an environment where such a thing occurs. This must serve as a lesson to never allow discrimination on any basis to blind people to their human sides and make them monsters.
So many millions lost their lives and few like Henry who survived were surely never the same again.
The history of the war and the snippets of information on the countries involved were enlightening.
It was not a tough book to understand though the subject made it a difficult one to read.
Nevertheless, this account of a survivor, a man who actually went through all that torture and lived to tell the tale, was truly chilling!
Henry's story brought out the fact that along with Jews, many Poles were also imprisoned in the concentration camps, something which I for one didn't know.
The horrible conditions of the camps, the backbreaking work given to the prisoners, severe lack of food and the cruelty of the guards and directors, as told in the words of Henry, really brought out the horrors of a war that destroyed everything in its wake.
Neither hope nor positivity nor spirit would have helped anyone survive these camps as they were utterly inhuman. The methods of killing the inmates.. Lining them enmasse and shooting them, luring them into basement rooms and hanging from hooks on the wall, gassing innocent people before they knew what was happening... Was something witnessed everyday. Survival was by extreme good luck or contacts.
Even years later, seeing pictures and hearing about the ovens used to dispose the bodies and the way corpses were piled up is unbearable.
These stories need to be told so that the world is aware and consciously prevents the creation of an environment where such a thing occurs. This must serve as a lesson to never allow discrimination on any basis to blind people to their human sides and make them monsters.
So many millions lost their lives and few like Henry who survived were surely never the same again.
The history of the war and the snippets of information on the countries involved were enlightening.
It was not a tough book to understand though the subject made it a difficult one to read.
November 15, 2017
Henry: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship From Auschwitz to America
by Katrina Shawver
Koehler Books
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles
Biographies & Memoirs , History
Pub Date 01 Nov 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Henry: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story Of Friendship From Auschwitz to America from Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Netgalley:
This book only came to Fruition through multiple first person interviews that were recorded from November 2002-2003 with Henry Zguda. English was his fifth language
Henry Zguda was a polish swimmer who survived three years in Auschwitz and Buchenwald during World War Two But he survived and went on to live the American dream.
Henry was catholic and had been accused to listening to the BBC he was severely beaten until he passed out.
Henry talks about poverty, and hunger but also the escape he found in swimming. He talks about his first love.
One day while sitting with the girl he was in love with, Henry was badly beaten because his attackers were certain he was Jewish. He had grown up around anti-Semitism throughout his early life, and only had three Jewish friends in that time.
Henry goes on to talk candidly about the abuse in the camps, the starvation, the depravity. He dropped to a hundred pounds, ready to die. He goes on to say he survived the camp because he was lucky and new someone. Henry survived the camp despite nearly dying of Typhoid fever and any number of infections.
In January of 1959 Henry, in January of 1960 he married Nancy a woman from a large Italian family.
I give Henry five out of five stars!
Happy Reading
by Katrina Shawver
Koehler Books
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles
Biographies & Memoirs , History
Pub Date 01 Nov 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Henry: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story Of Friendship From Auschwitz to America from Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Netgalley:
This book only came to Fruition through multiple first person interviews that were recorded from November 2002-2003 with Henry Zguda. English was his fifth language
Henry Zguda was a polish swimmer who survived three years in Auschwitz and Buchenwald during World War Two But he survived and went on to live the American dream.
Henry was catholic and had been accused to listening to the BBC he was severely beaten until he passed out.
Henry talks about poverty, and hunger but also the escape he found in swimming. He talks about his first love.
One day while sitting with the girl he was in love with, Henry was badly beaten because his attackers were certain he was Jewish. He had grown up around anti-Semitism throughout his early life, and only had three Jewish friends in that time.
Henry goes on to talk candidly about the abuse in the camps, the starvation, the depravity. He dropped to a hundred pounds, ready to die. He goes on to say he survived the camp because he was lucky and new someone. Henry survived the camp despite nearly dying of Typhoid fever and any number of infections.
In January of 1959 Henry, in January of 1960 he married Nancy a woman from a large Italian family.
I give Henry five out of five stars!
Happy Reading
September 23, 2017
Henry – A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America by Katrina Shawver is a biography on a Polish national who survived the horrors of concentration camps and World War II. Ms. Shawver is a journalist and a public speaker who happened to live near Mr. Zguda.
This is one of those books I take pleasure in reading. The book combines personal experiences of the subject, the author, and a bit of history to create a fascinating narrative.
Mr. Zguda was considered a threat by the regime, he was not Jewish but was considered a political threat. An athlete with good connections, he managed to survive three years in Auschwitz and Buchenwald. Mr. Zguda tells his story as if it was nothing remarkable, with dark humor and a positive attitude.
The book includes original documents and photographs, many of which Mr. Zguda had in his possession not knowing their historical value. At the end, Mr. Zguda points out the good years have been much more that the bad years, and that is what he wants to get across. A lesson we should all take to heart.
This is not a polished books, as the author mentioned. She tried to get across the story as told to her by Henry Zguda, including his personality. I believe she succeeded, as I felt as if I knew Mr. Zguda by the end of the book even though I never met him.
For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
This is one of those books I take pleasure in reading. The book combines personal experiences of the subject, the author, and a bit of history to create a fascinating narrative.
Mr. Zguda was considered a threat by the regime, he was not Jewish but was considered a political threat. An athlete with good connections, he managed to survive three years in Auschwitz and Buchenwald. Mr. Zguda tells his story as if it was nothing remarkable, with dark humor and a positive attitude.
The book includes original documents and photographs, many of which Mr. Zguda had in his possession not knowing their historical value. At the end, Mr. Zguda points out the good years have been much more that the bad years, and that is what he wants to get across. A lesson we should all take to heart.
This is not a polished books, as the author mentioned. She tried to get across the story as told to her by Henry Zguda, including his personality. I believe she succeeded, as I felt as if I knew Mr. Zguda by the end of the book even though I never met him.
For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
March 11, 2018
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher/author for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
I read this book over a few months because it is a heavy thing to deal with. The stories that Henry told of what happened to him and so many others in Auschwitz and the other camps are heartbreaking. This isn't a book for the faint of heart.
Henry's story touches on a very little talked about portion of the holocaust. The Polish people who were arrested as well as the political prisoners, etc who were also arrested from 1993 to the end of the war. Reading about the ways he survived so many camps, and sicknesses all because of who he knew, and how he was able to make friends throughout his life is truly amazing.
Henry's life was one full of happiness, sadness and random acts that changed multiple peoples lives. How he continued on with his life after the war I found amazing as well, learning how much of a struggle it was in occupied Poland after the Germans had been defeated, and the Soviets had taken over was something I had no idea about.
I did really like the formatting of this book of going back and forth between Henry's stories and the author giving us context about what was happening and stats about the camps etc. I learned so so much throughout this whole book, and I feel like I need to re-read it in the near future to learn even more from it.
So much happened throughout this whole book and I am sure I missed a lot of the details about his life, but I am so so glad I read this one. I can't wait to see if the author does more biography types of things like this one or not. I also loved learning about her life and how writing this book was a struggle at times.
Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher/author for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
I read this book over a few months because it is a heavy thing to deal with. The stories that Henry told of what happened to him and so many others in Auschwitz and the other camps are heartbreaking. This isn't a book for the faint of heart.
Henry's story touches on a very little talked about portion of the holocaust. The Polish people who were arrested as well as the political prisoners, etc who were also arrested from 1993 to the end of the war. Reading about the ways he survived so many camps, and sicknesses all because of who he knew, and how he was able to make friends throughout his life is truly amazing.
Henry's life was one full of happiness, sadness and random acts that changed multiple peoples lives. How he continued on with his life after the war I found amazing as well, learning how much of a struggle it was in occupied Poland after the Germans had been defeated, and the Soviets had taken over was something I had no idea about.
I did really like the formatting of this book of going back and forth between Henry's stories and the author giving us context about what was happening and stats about the camps etc. I learned so so much throughout this whole book, and I feel like I need to re-read it in the near future to learn even more from it.
So much happened throughout this whole book and I am sure I missed a lot of the details about his life, but I am so so glad I read this one. I can't wait to see if the author does more biography types of things like this one or not. I also loved learning about her life and how writing this book was a struggle at times.
May 2, 2019
Katrina was so fortunate to be able to write Henry's story. Her conversations with Henry brought to life his history and his ability to survive concentration camps in WWII. She detailed his account of the camps and the atrocities he endured to survive. More importantly she was able to capture the emotions that accompanied the stories. I am sure that was difficult for Henry to talk about but it was also difficult for Katrina to hear about it. Henry did not survive without scars, both physical and emotional.
Henri illustrated how his world changed in a heartbeat. One minute his future was secure and predictable and the next it was gone. He had to live in the moment and just survive the unknown. Henri described his experiences of survival and some of it he attributed to luck. What he did was give us was a glimpse of how the human spirit and the will to live is not squashed even under the worst circumstances. Henry was able to endure because of his intelligence, cleverness and his belief that he would get through the ordeal.
Henri gave Katrina a gift. He was open and willing to share his story and reflect upon his experiences and she gave us a gift with a book that is truly a treasure.
Henri illustrated how his world changed in a heartbeat. One minute his future was secure and predictable and the next it was gone. He had to live in the moment and just survive the unknown. Henri described his experiences of survival and some of it he attributed to luck. What he did was give us was a glimpse of how the human spirit and the will to live is not squashed even under the worst circumstances. Henry was able to endure because of his intelligence, cleverness and his belief that he would get through the ordeal.
Henri gave Katrina a gift. He was open and willing to share his story and reflect upon his experiences and she gave us a gift with a book that is truly a treasure.
August 14, 2020
...as is per usual, i ALWAYS learn something i didn't know despite having read dozens if not a hundred holocaust memoirs. this one was viewpoint of a polish political prisoner who really had not known or was in contact w/ jews in auschwitz (and other camps). the author is wonderful...a mom with young kids who just by chance came upon Henry and his beloved wife. she was often surprised by what she learned of the holocaust which was refreshing. she wasn't a professional re: this event. it took her years to finally complete this book based on one person (but corroborated by others) who became a dear friend, Henry...along with his wife. the fact that she finally visited all the camps where Henry had been and that her research was impeccable and repeatedly verified and her listed sources gave me confidence in what were endearing and funny conversations w/ a very elderly Henry that might give pause to accuracy of his memory. but she checks everything out. tho his experience was horrific, it was far above what jews suffered. one can imagine, with his personality/sense of humor that this in itself carried him through and allowed him to survive.
October 3, 2017
HENRY —A Polish Swimmer's True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America by Katrina Shawver
Katrina Shawver has written an accurate account of one man's journey through the Holocaust who wasn't Jewish. We cannot forget the others who stood up for us when few were willing to do so. Henry Zguda was a hero, one, who with his strong, tall body and handsome countenance, was liked by everyone he met.
That is, until he was picked up with his sports team by the Nazis. How does he survive their vicious behavior when so many did not? His inspiring story has been told in his words, documents from archives that corroborate his story and many photos that prove he was there. It is a true testimonial of a Polish man who lights the human spirit in all of us. We can be indebted to him for his bravery and willingness to share as well as Ms. Shawver's dogged research to fill in details. An impressive triumph!
Marcia Fine
Katrina Shawver has written an accurate account of one man's journey through the Holocaust who wasn't Jewish. We cannot forget the others who stood up for us when few were willing to do so. Henry Zguda was a hero, one, who with his strong, tall body and handsome countenance, was liked by everyone he met.
That is, until he was picked up with his sports team by the Nazis. How does he survive their vicious behavior when so many did not? His inspiring story has been told in his words, documents from archives that corroborate his story and many photos that prove he was there. It is a true testimonial of a Polish man who lights the human spirit in all of us. We can be indebted to him for his bravery and willingness to share as well as Ms. Shawver's dogged research to fill in details. An impressive triumph!
Marcia Fine
October 20, 2017
Received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
This book was told to Katrina Shawver by Henry Zguda. Katrina interviewed Henry for a short story and from that short story she realized that Henry had so much more to tell. Henry was from Poland and was sent to numerous concentration camps. Hitler didn't just exterminate Jews and only put Jews in concentration camps it was a lot of different people to include people from Poland. This story is a mixture between Henry's story and Katrina's story when she went to verify Henry's story.
I am very interested in any books that deal with this subject and this book opened my eyes to even some things that I was not aware of like at Auschwitz they actually had a canteen and the prisoners could buy things. In one of the concentration camps there was a theater.
The book was a tad disjointed and to me the title didn't fit at all but the book was very very good.
This book was told to Katrina Shawver by Henry Zguda. Katrina interviewed Henry for a short story and from that short story she realized that Henry had so much more to tell. Henry was from Poland and was sent to numerous concentration camps. Hitler didn't just exterminate Jews and only put Jews in concentration camps it was a lot of different people to include people from Poland. This story is a mixture between Henry's story and Katrina's story when she went to verify Henry's story.
I am very interested in any books that deal with this subject and this book opened my eyes to even some things that I was not aware of like at Auschwitz they actually had a canteen and the prisoners could buy things. In one of the concentration camps there was a theater.
The book was a tad disjointed and to me the title didn't fit at all but the book was very very good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2017
Henry Zguda, a Catholic Pole, survived the concentration camps of World War II. He is the first one to say it was because he was lucky and had friends in good places. Through his conversations with Ms. Shawver, the reader gets an inside look at the daily events in the life of a prisoner. There really wasn't much about Mr. Zguda being a swimmer. I expected more of that. What I didn't expect was all the additional information provided about politics, geography, history, and religion provided by both Mr. Zguda and Ms. Sawver. I loved it! Ms. Sawver did a great job of relating the information to common knowledge so it made sense. I was also surprised by the detailed records the Germans kept on their prisoners. The stories were engaging and educational: my favorite combo in a non-fiction book!
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Koehler Books in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Koehler Books in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2017
"Henry" by Katrina Shawver is a book about Henry a polish swimmers life and friendships from Auschwitz to America. What a powerful book, yes, books from Holocaust survivors are almost always powerful but this one was different. Why do I say different as the author writes what Henry reveals to her and he did not hold back anything he seen even pictures he had. Some of the things this man had seen and told about I had no idea about as I had not heard about them such as the women that were made to be prostitutes for some of the prisoners. The horror that people put other people thru is just horrible but this book is a must read. It may be hard to read for older teens but if they are studying on World War 2 that they need to read it. I highly recommend this book just know it is graphic and open and honest.
I was given this book from NetGalley for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.
I was given this book from NetGalley for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.
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